India targets March 2027 Rollout of First Indigenous Bullet Train 'Bharat B28’

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major step towards indigenous high-speed rail capability, the Ministry of Railways has set a target to roll out India’s first homegrown bullet train, ‘B28’, by March 2027. The train is currently under development by BEML Limited at its rail coach complex in Bengaluru.

The B28 trainset marks India’s entry into the elite league of nations with indigenous high-speed rail technology, aligned with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The project was awarded in October 2024 by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, to BEML for the design, manufacture, and commissioning of two high-speed trainsets.

• Total contract value: ₹866.87 crore
• Configuration: 8-car trainsets
• Cost per car: ₹27.86 crore
• Includes design, development, tooling, and testing infrastructure

According to the Ministry, manufacturing is already underway, with the first prototype expected in Q1 2027, followed by extensive testing and trials.

Speed and Technology Specifications

The B28 trainset is being designed with:

• Design speed: 280 km/h
• Operational speed: 250 km/h

While initial operations will run at 250 km/h, the platform is being engineered for future scalability and performance upgrades.

Indian Railways plans to deploy the B28 trainset on the 97-km Surat–Vapi section, part of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor.

• Target launch: August 2027
• Will be among the first operational stretches of India’s bullet train project

This move comes amid ongoing challenges in finalising procurement of Japanese Shinkansen rolling stock, prompting a stronger push toward indigenous alternatives.

Passenger-Centric Design and Features

The B28 trainsets will feature a modern, fully air-conditioned Chair Car configuration, designed for comfort and accessibility:

• Reclining and rotatable seats
• Dedicated provisions for persons with reduced mobility
• Onboard infotainment systems
• Advanced safety and ride comfort features

The development of B28 represents a strategic shift in India’s high-speed rail programme, reducing reliance on imports while building domestic capabilities in:

• High-speed rolling stock manufacturing
• Advanced propulsion and control systems
• Precision engineering and testing infrastructure

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“The development of the B28 indigenous bullet train is a landmark moment for India’s rail sector. It reflects a decisive shift from technology adoption to technology creation. As India accelerates its high-speed rail ambitions, building domestic capabilities in rolling stock manufacturing will be critical not only for cost optimisation but also for long-term scalability and exports.”

Looking Ahead

With the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor progressing in phases and the first section expected by August 2027, the B28 trainset could become a flagship symbol of India’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

As testing and validation begin post-2027 rollout, the success of B28 will play a defining role in shaping the future of high-speed rail in India.